Final answer:
Gestational hypertension with proteinuria (≥ 0.3g in 24h) or end organ damage indicates preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Diagnosis and management of preeclampsia are important to prevent severe health risks to both the mother and baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gestational hypertension combined with proteinuria (≥ 0.3g in 24h) or end organ damage is indicative of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys. Proteinuria, the presence of an excess of serum proteins in the urine, occurs when there are problems with the kidney's filtering system. The condition can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both mother and baby if left untreated. In normal pregnancies, increased blood and circulatory volume can already put stress on the body's systems, but with preeclampsia, these effects are heightened, leading to risks such as preterm labor or fetal growth restrictions.
Preeclampsia is a condition that can evolve from gestational hypertension when accompanied by proteinuria or end organ damage. Diagnosing preeclampsia is crucial for the management and treatment of affected pregnant individuals to avoid potential complications like eclampsia, which includes seizures, and other life-threatening issues. Management of preeclampsia may involve medication to lower blood pressure, corticosteroids to mature the baby's lungs if early delivery is anticipated, and close monitoring unit delivery is possible.